A battle for the international allegiance of Wolves forward Mateus Mane is intensifying, with both England and Portugal vying for the 18-year-classic’s services. The Portuguese Football Federation, under the leadership of recently appointed president Pedro Proença, is actively attempting to persuade Mane to represent Portugal, despite the player having already featured for England at the Under-18 level.
Mane’s potential switch comes as Portugal manager Roberto Martinez seeks to bolster his squad following the World Cup. Martinez, who previously played alongside Wolves technical director Matt Jackson at Wigan Athletic, has reportedly been proactive in pursuing Mane, recognizing his potential contribution to the national team. The Portuguese federation may initially seek to involve Mane with the Portugal Under-21 team, but Martinez is reportedly keen to integrate him into the senior squad quickly.
England Under-21 manager Lee Carsley is also closely monitoring Mane’s development, indicating a desire to retain the player within the English system. Mane moved to England at the age of eight, potentially strengthening his ties to the nation, but his birth in Barreiro, Portugal, provides an avenue for representation through his ancestral homeland.
Sources indicate that no decision regarding Mane’s international future has been made, with the player currently focused on his club form at Wolves. He joined Wolves from Rochdale in February 2024, making his Premier League debut under Vitor Pereira in May. This season, despite Wolves’ struggles, Mane has emerged as a bright spot, making a first-team breakthrough under Rob Edwards.
Mane has scored twice in 20 games for Wolves, becoming the club’s youngest Premier League goalscorer. However, Wolves currently sit at the bottom of the Premier League table, facing a strong likelihood of relegation. The team is 17 points from safety with only 10 games remaining, having secured only one league win all season. They face Aston Villa on Friday, needing a significant turnaround to avoid potentially breaking Derby County’s record for the lowest Premier League points total of 11, set in the 2007-08 season.
Pedro Proença was appointed president of the Portuguese Football Federation in February 2025, having previously served as a professional football referee and, more recently, president of the Portuguese Professional Football League until 2025. His appointment signals a renewed focus on attracting talent and strengthening Portugal’s national team.
